Professional Development


19 - The three types of transactions
In the field of interpersonal relationships we will make reference to the Agent and the Respondent, A and R, which can be seen on the red arrows, and we observe the transactions. We distinguish three types of transactions: complementary, crossed and ulterior. What are complementary transactions? They are those in which the response comes from the same ego state to which the message was addressed, for example: "Have you finished your work?" "Yes, sir." "Have you finished your work?" is a question, the mode is Adult and it is addressed to another Adult, while the other Adult responds by providing information. As can be seen there is an emotional transaction, but there is no emotional change, the Agent and Respondent remain in the same emotional state as they were before.